Doctors warn heat stroke can be fatal

IT'S NOT new news the weather is getting hotter, but it's easy to forget how dangerous the heat can really be.

Weather forecasters have predicted soaring temperatures over the next few days and with the heat being potentially life threatening, doctors have stressed the importance of taking proper precautions.

Rockhampton is set to reach 38 degrees today, 35 on Saturday and 34 on Sunday, with a chance of storms over the weekend.

The Australia Medical Association Queensland President Dr Chris Zappala said weather like this could be fatal so it's important to take care of yourself and those around you.

"Heat-waves are the most deadly natural phenomenon in Australia, claiming hundreds of lives each year," Dr Zappala said.

"All of us should take care but it's particularly important for groups such as the sick, elderly, babies, pregnant women, and breast-feeding mothers."

Yesterday evening an ambulance crew was called out to reports of a 30-year-old woman who was not alert after suffering from heat exposure in Norman Gardens, but a Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson said the woman declined treatment.

Crews had also attended to other people suffering from heat exposure who were mainly people working outdoors such as builders and landscapers.

Dr Zappala pointed out that the extreme heat could make people vulnerable to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.